The comparative form of the adjective “nice” is nicer. We use comparative adjectives to compare two things or people. For example, you might say “This cake is nicer than that one.” The superlative form of “nice,” used to compare three or more things, is nicest. For instance, “This is the nicest cake I’ve ever eaten.” Understanding how to form comparatives and superlatives is essential for accurate and nuanced English communication.
Forming Comparative and Superlative Adjectives
The rules for forming comparatives and superlatives depend on the number of syllables in the adjective.
One-Syllable Adjectives
For most one-syllable adjectives, add “-er” for the comparative and “-est” for the superlative:
- old: older, oldest
- long: longer, longest
Exception: If the adjective ends in a single vowel followed by a single consonant, double the consonant before adding “-er” or “-est”:
- big: bigger, biggest
- thin: thinner, thinnest
Exception: If the adjective ends in “-e,” simply add “-r” for the comparative and “-st” for the superlative:
- nice: nicer, nicest (This addresses our primary keyword!)
- large: larger, largest
Exception: If the adjective ends in a consonant followed by “-y,” change the “y” to “i” before adding “-er” or “-est”:
- happy: happier, happiest
- easy: easier, easiest
Two-Syllable Adjectives
Many two-syllable adjectives use “more” for the comparative and “most” for the superlative:
- careful: more careful, most careful
- peaceful: more peaceful, most peaceful
However, some common two-syllable adjectives can use either “-er”/”-est” or “more”/”most.” These include:
- common, cruel, gentle, handsome, likely, narrow, pleasant, polite, simple, stupid
For example, you could say “He is handsomer than his brother,” or “He is more handsome than his brother.” Both are correct. Similarly, “She is the politest person I know,” and “She is the most polite person I know,” are both acceptable.
Three or More Syllable Adjectives
Adjectives with three or more syllables always use “more” and “most”:
- interesting: more interesting, most interesting
- beautiful: more beautiful, most beautiful
Irregular Adjectives
Some adjectives have irregular comparative and superlative forms:
- good: better, best
- bad: worse, worst
- far: farther/further, farthest/furthest (“Further” can also mean “additional.”)
Using Comparatives
Comparatives are often followed by “than” when comparing two things:
- “My car is older than yours.”
- “She is taller than her sister.”
To describe how something changes, use two comparatives with “and”:
- “The music got louder and louder.”
Using Superlatives
Superlatives are used to describe the extreme quality of something among three or more things and are always preceded by “the”:
- “Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world.”
- “This is the best pizza I’ve ever had.”
Conclusion
Understanding how to form and use comparative and superlative adjectives is crucial for effective English communication. By following these rules and remembering the exceptions, you can confidently make comparisons and describe things accurately. Remember, the comparative of “nice” is “nicer,” and the superlative is “nicest.” This knowledge will allow you to express yourself with greater precision and clarity.
